Out This Week 2/25

It’s been six years, but a new album from Beck is finally here. KEXP’s Music Director, Don Yates, describes his twelfth studio album, Morning Phase, as “a gorgeous set of downtempo, psych-tinged folk-pop that’s a sequel of sorts to his 2002 album Sea Change, with somber, slow-moving songs featuring acoustic guitars, lush strings and piano along with occasional bells, pedal steel, harmonica and more accompanying his hazy vocals and warm harmonies, though the lyrics lean more towards finding serenity rather than the heartbreak and desolation of Sea Change.”

St. Vincent returns this week with a self-titled full-length that “is her most focused and strongest work to date, a visceral yet sophisticated set of adventurous avant-pop combining elements of orchestral pop, funk, R&B, punk and more on consistently strong songs ranging from rhythm-driven electro-rock to gorgeous atmospheric ballads.”

Other highlights include the new album from Vertical Scratchers, the Merge Records debut from LA-based duo of John Schmersal (ex-Enon/Brainiac) and Christian Beaulieu (ex-Triclops!/Anywhere). Remember the “Buffalo Stance”? Well, Neneh Cherry is back this week with her first solo album in 16 years, produced by Four Tet, and featuring guest vocals from Robyn. Jónsi makes a guest appearance on the latest from Death Vessel. Throw Me The Statue’s Scott Reitherman debuts his new project, Pillar Point, and Thee Oh Sees frontman John Dwyer launches his electronic solo debut, Damaged Bug.

Some standout reissues this week include Morrissey‘s Your Arsenal (which includes a bonus disc featuring a 1991 concert at California’s Shoreline Amphitheatre), Bob Mould‘s Workbook (repackaged as a 2-CD set with a 1989 concert), and Superchunk‘s Indoor Living (which — surprise! — comes with a download of a full 1997 concert).